A Meditation before Kaddish

I went to Temple last night with my long time best friend.  I am a Presbyterian so everything was new to me – except prayers, sermon, songs and responsive readings.  I left last night knowing that we are more the same than we are different.  But this prayer had me in tears.  It is in a reformed tradition book.

When I die give what’s left of me away

to children and old men that wait to die.

And if you need to cry,

cry for your brother walking the street beside you.

And when you need me, put your arms around anyone

and give them what you need to give me.

I want to leave you something,

something better than words or sounds.

Look for me in the people I’ve known or loved,

and if you cannot give me away,

at least let me live in your eyes and not in your mind.

You can love me best by letting hands touch hands,

and by letting go of children that need to be free.

Love doesn’t die, people do.

So, when all that’s left of me is love,

give me away.

“Epitaph” by Merrit Malloy